Stepping stool

Wife wanted a stepping stool, and I had some left-over ash from my chair project. I tried to add Krenovian flare with nifty grain orientation – not sure if I succeeded, but it is at least symmetrical.

The basic design is from Kari Virtanen’s (award winning Finnish woodworker) stepping stool; in the original the steps are from one piece, but I couldn’t figure out how he handles wood movement – and I’m sure he does) so I made the steps from two pieces, with glue only on the outside.

My original plan had the steps of equal size, but halfway through the build I used some twisted logic when figuring out the joinery, resulting in a more narrow lower step.

The slightly different heights of the lower and upper step are also a result of miscalculating the spot for the mortise – measuring from the side instead of middle at some point.

I tried to make it appear light. It didn’t break under me with carrying my son (85 kg + 18 kg = roughly 220 pounds).

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1 comment so far

This is a very elegant utility piece and yes it does look light though I doubt you would ever stress those bridle joints. The ash grain looks marvelous and the cutaway underneath is a nice touch. The nicest step stool I’ve ever seen and probably a great seat and play-bench for your son.